New York Mets: Is Signing David Wright to a Long-Term Extension the Right Move?

The General Manager of the New York Mets, Sandy Alderson, has made it clear that the No. 1 priority this offseason is to get David Wright signed to a long-term extension.

The Mets have activated David's option for 2013, with hopes of hashing out the details of a new deal before the end of the winter. However, the question of whether or not the Mets should lock up Wright has created somewhat of a rift between fans.

Please don't take the previous statement the wrong way. Mets fans absolutely love David Wright. He is to Mets fans what Derek Jeter is to Yankees fans. He is the face of the franchise. He plays the game with passion, stays out of trouble and he is a home grown star. He is a role model for the younger fans, and parents want their children to grow up and be like David. Oh, and he is still one of the premiere third baseman in the game today.

So after reading all that, why shouldn't the Mets ensure David retires a Met with a long-term deal?

The answer isn't as easy as it seems. The New York Post recently reported that the negotiations between David and the Mets have stalled, which definitely adds some uncertainty to the situation. It makes us wonder if the Mets are starting to get cold feet with regards to David's long-term extension.

The issue at hand is if the Mets tie up a bunch of money with one player, it handcuffs them with respect to improving the team in the long run. Unless the Mets are going to be able to spend some money in 2014, they should consider trading him before the trade deadline (and not sign him to a long-term deal). However, if the Mets can build around Wright, then they should definitely extend him and make him the foundation to build on.

The good news is, the crippling contracts of Jason Bay and Johan Santana will be coming off the Mets' books after the 2013 season. Once that happens, the Mets will be in a much better position to bring in some help for David Wright in the free agent market.

It is absolutely the right move for the Mets to sign their star to a long-term extension. With pitching prospects like Matt Harvey and Zack Wheeler looking to make a major impact, money to spend on free agents on the horizon and Wright as the foundation and leader of the team, the future for the New York Mets is starting to look bright again.